Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Nellore Farmers Urged to Delay Rabi Sowing Amid Low Reservoirs
Water levels in reservoirs in Nellore district are low.
Officials have asked farmers to wait before planting their next crop, especially paddy.
They want to save available water for drinking and important irrigation needs.
In late November, officials will check whether new rain or other inflows have added water.
Farmers may then get advice based on how much water is available.
If there is not enough water, farmers can consider crops that need less water, such as pulses or fodder.
The agriculture department also advised farmers to protect soil moisture and use water carefully.
Officials have prepared different plans for different water situations.
Nellore district officials advised farmers to wait until the end of November before committing to Rabi crops, especially paddy nurseries.
Reservoir water is to be prioritized for drinking and essential irrigation, with canal supplies regulated through varabandi.
A decision on water releases for the next crop will depend on fresh inflows and reservoir storage in the last week of November.
If water remains scarce, officials recommend alternatives including fodder, pulses and pre-monsoon dry-sowing crops.
As of October 6, Somasila held 19.361 TMC feet and Kandaleru held 17.077 TMC feet, according to the article.
- Who
- Nellore district farmers and the district administration, including Collector Himanshu Shukla and District Agriculture Officer P. Sathyavani.
- What
- Farmers have been advised to defer Rabi cultivation, particularly paddy nurseries, until the end of November unless water availability improves.
- When
- The advice was issued ahead of Rabi sowing; reservoir figures are dated October 6, 2026, and a water-release decision is expected in the last week of November.
- Where
- SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- Water levels in reservoirs are low, and available supplies are being prioritized for drinking water and essential irrigation.
- Reservoir figures date
- October 6, 2026
- Somasila storage
- 19.361 TMC feet
- Kandaleru storage
- 17.077 TMC feet
- Next water decision
- Expected in the last week of November, based on fresh inflows and reservoir storage
- Alternative crops advised
- Fodder, pulses and pre-monsoon dry-sowing crops
- Chickpea seed availability
- About 4,900 quintals at a 35% subsidy under the Atmanirbhar programme
- Blackgram seed availability
- 450 quintals at an 80% subsidy